Economic Evaluation of Occupational Health and Safety Programs in Healthcare Settings: Implications for Respiratory Health of Healthcare Workers

Occupational health and safety (OHS) programs in healthcare settings play a critical role in protecting healthcare workers from work-related hazards, particularly respiratory risks arising from exposure to airborne pathogens, chemicals, and environmental pollutants. While the implementation of these programs is essential for employee well-being, their economic impact is often under-evaluated. This review aims to synthesize existing evidence on the economic evaluation of OHS interventions in healthcare environments with a specific focus on respiratory health outcomes. We conducted a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, including studies published between ۲۰۱۰ and ۲۰۲۵. The findings indicate that investment in OHS programs can lead to significant cost savings by reducing absenteeism, occupational respiratory diseases, and associated healthcare costs. However, variations in study design, outcome measures, and economic evaluation methods limit comparability across studies. Strengthening economic assessments of OHS programs can inform policy and resource allocation, ultimately improving the respiratory health and overall safety of healthcare personnel. Future research should focus on standardized methodologies and integration of cost-effectiveness analyses to guide evidence-based decision-making in hospital and healthcare settings.

کلیدواژه ها:

Occupational Health and Safety ، Economic Evaluation ، Healthcare Workers ، Respiratory Health ، Cost-Effectiveness ، Hospital Safety